My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix

Published: May 17th 2016 by Quirk Books

Abby and Gretchen have been best friends since fifth grade, when they bonded over a shared love of E.T., roller-skating parties, and scratch-and-sniff stickers. But when they arrive at high school, things change. Gretchen begins to act . . . different. And as the strange coincidences and bizarre behavior start to pile up, Abby realizes there’s only one possible explanation: Gretchen, her favorite person in the world, has a demon living inside her. And Abby is not about to let anyone or anything come between her and her best friend. With help from some unlikely allies, Abby embarks on a quest to save Gretchen. But is their friendship powerful enough to beat the devil?

What an interesting book. I am unsure whether to lump this in as a YA or just a general horror? It had tons of YA elements, but also some rather adult horror elements.

I loved the inclusion of the yearbook on the cover, it was a neat little touch.

This is  a snarky and fun pseudo spoof of an exorcist themed horror comedy.

Hendrix makes this work with his signature voice. He tells the story with personality and better than average characterization and dialogue. The reader gets to know characters like Abby and Gretchen and we can understand their unique relationship (even when you consider the demon possession and subsequent exorcism).

His horror themed speculative fiction is also quite good. Hendrix fills in the gaps with some good backstory and demonology. Devilishly mean HS girls and cliques are elements that most of us can relate to and the “faith and fitness” show was classic.

Also fun is the 80s theme.. Like Ernest Clines’ brilliant Ready Player One, we can also kick back with some 80s trivia as all of the chapter headings are 80s songs.

A fun read.